OMNI - Biotoxins found in Tacoma, WA Postal Facility

CNN is reporting this as breaking news...

www.cnn.com (http://www.cnn.com)

US$.05 says it's non-toxic.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">
From CNN:
U.S. Homeland Security officials confirm initial field tests positive for biotoxins after suspicious powder found at postal facility in Tacoma, Washington. Officials caution more tests are needed. Details to come.
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http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/frown.gif Please oh please let it be a false alarm

I'm surprised that there has been no discussion here about the biotoxins missing from South Africa.

WSJ had a front page story on this issue one or two days ago.

Follow up info:

http://www.cnn.com/2003/US/West/04/22/powder/index.html

I don't believe it could be true. I mean, the president just lowered the alert level from orange to yellow. I mean, since the war is over, the heightened threat is gone, right? :rollingeyes:

The Office of Homeland Security is reporting that the preliminary test of the powder in Tacoma show possible Plague or Botulinum Toxin

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by PG:
I'm surprised that there has been no discussion here about the biotoxins missing from South Africa.

WSJ had a front page story on this issue one or two days ago.</font>

As did the Washington Post:

Lethal Legacy: Bioweapons for Sale (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A58454-2003Apr19.html) (Part 1)

Biotoxins Fall Into Private Hands (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A64518-2003Apr20.html) (Part 2)

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by blairvanhorn:
As did the Washington Post:
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Thanks - it was the Washington Post, not Wall St Journal which had the front page story yesterday.

False alarm:

-- Homeland Security officials tell CNN additional tests rule out toxins in powder found at Tacoma, Washington, mail facility.

Plague is not viable for very long outside a host. Additionally, it is treatable with antibiotics. Please see:

CDC info on Plague (http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/plague/)

Botulism is usually caught by ingesting food tainted with toxins produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Unless this biotoxin was found in the lunch room or in someone's fruitcake, I'd say it's not credible. Please see:

CDC info on Botulism (http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/botulism_g.htm#What%20is%20botulism)

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Spiff:
Plague is not viable for very long outside a host. Additionally, it is treatable with antibiotics. Please see:

CDC info on Plague (http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/plague/)

Botulism is usually caught by ingesting food tainted with toxins produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Unless this biotoxin was found in the lunch room or in someone's fruitcake, I'd say it's not credible. Please see:

CDC info on Botulism (http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/botulism_g.htm#What%20is%20botulism)</font>

There is a difference between the bacterium and the toxin, which it produces. The toxin is a protein that inhibits synaptic transmission and is effective at very low concentrations. It is true that one contracts botulism from eating food contaminated with the bacteria, but it is the toxin that is the problem.

Producing the toxin in significant quantities would require at least some sophistication in lab practices.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by ScottC:
False alarm:

-- Homeland Security officials tell CNN additional tests rule out toxins in powder found at Tacoma, Washington, mail facility.</font>

Good news!

Indeed. Also, the toxin must be ingested or enter the body through a wound.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by SeAAttle:
There is a difference between the bacterium and the toxin, which it produces. The toxin is a protein that inhibits synaptic transmission and is effective at very low concentrations. It is true that one contracts botulism from eating food contaminated with the bacteria, but it is the toxin that is the problem.

Producing the toxin in significant quantities would require at least some sophistication in lab practices.</font>

So CNN scarevision is alive and well...

- "SARS invading the world"
- "Biotoxins FOUND in Tacoma"

"Depend on CNN"
For what?

[This message has been edited by NickP 1K (edited 04-22-2003).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by NickP 1K:
So CNN scarevision is alive and well...

- "SARS invading the world"
- "Biotoxins FOUND in Tacoma"

"Depend on CNN"
For what?

[This message has been edited by NickP 1K (edited 04-22-2003).]</font>

Well, since the war in Iraq is pretty much over and war ratings are dropping, the news networks need something to keep viewers tuned in. I think it is about time for a couple more stories about asteroids on a collision course with earth (which, if one was on the way, IMHO, there pretty much isn't anything we are going to be able to do than grap ankles and kiss our butts goodbye). Or, time for the networks to ask the White House to invade another country,or ratchet up the crisis level with(take your pick, North Korea, Syria, Iraq, Grenada, California) because all this peace stuff is bad for their business.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by NickP 1K:
So CNN scarevision is alive and well...

- "SARS invading the world"
- "Biotoxins FOUND in Tacoma"

[This message has been edited by NickP 1K (edited 04-22-2003).]</font>

No kidding. I heard the CNN report on TV and within a few minutes heard the NPR report on the local Seattle station. They used almost the exact words but with different emphasis.

CNN: A white powder discovered in a Tacoma post office may contain BIOTOXINS.

NPR: A white powder discovered in a Tacoma post office MAY contain biotoxins.

Both issued disclaimers that the report was preliminary but again NPR emphasized PRELIMINARY while CNN seemed to just want to meet an obligation while not destroying the story.